Got good surf pics?
Send em off to me directly.
(See link below) Just make sure
they're 650 pixels wide.
NO bigger NO smaller.

In fact if you have any questions about the
size, email me first and I'll write back.
Start shooting crackie!!
Ralph Pic Of The Week

If you want to access the Pic of the
week from past weeks click here.
Archives

September 16th, 2007

Looking back at the Summer of 2007, what will we remember? After all, the Summer officially ends this Friday, September 21st. For some of you, this Summer was the Summer to Forget. While others found it to be somewhat enjoyable. As far as surf goes, it never did get big enough for most of us. Still, I had some fun days throughout the small to medium size days.

Clearly the Hurricane Season is far from over. But it does seem that most of the storms appear to be heading in the Gulf region. There is Ingrid out there in the Mid-Atlantic and she could finally produce something of significance. Expected to turn into a Tropical Storm later today, Ingrid could be our first shot at some size. And that my friends is welcome news for all Surfers here in New England.

But how about this past summer?

I've had friends tell me that there was 'no surf ' this summer. Well, you can't really say that, now can you. You could say, that the surf was small most of the summer, but you can't say there was no surf. I know this, because I surfed, and I shot both stills and video. Typically, I will look back at some of the footage I shot throughout the summer, and will almost always be surprised at some the days I captured on video. Unless, I am tripping, and I am seeing someone else's footage, the tale of the tape is pretty accurate.

While hardly the best Summer of all time, it was pretty consistent. Look, we've suffered through summers in the past that were so flat, that some of you took up Golf. I personally, will look back at the Summer of 2007 and reflect kindly on it. Not the SUMMER of 05, nor the best summer of all, (in my opinion) the SUMMER of 95. But a fun and warm (water temp) summer surf season.

Some of my memorable days:Surfing with my daughter Gabby. The days of the local ESA contests. Some early evening sessions. Some truly fun longboarding sessions and a handful of other days. It was in a word "Fun".

But alas my hardcore friends...it is time for some serious surf. Those of you who passed on surfing the small stuff all summer, and worked all summer long saving up those vacation days may have paid off. We could have a late Indian Summer season and early Fall season that could rival all of the others. This could be that year.

It feels like something's going to happen.

I have a gut feeling. And my gut, is telling me to get ready. That this could be a memorable Fall. And wouldn't that be great. Hell yes it would. Who among us true New England Locals doesn't love the Fall season? I mean come on. This is OUR season. Late summer Hurricanes coupled with early Fall Nor'easters. It's the perfect marriage of seasonal weather conditions.

The Call of The Fall.

Thanks to everyone who emailed me about last week's 9-11 column. And an extra special thank you to all who made the effort to come out that night to the GWOT 9-11 Memorial Service at Post 35 in Hampton. I saw quite a few local Surfers in the crowd of around 500. I mentioned last week that there is a surfer on that monument. Dan Healy was a US NAVY SEAL. He loved surfing. He's from Exeter and he was KIA on June 28-2005 in Afghanistan.

A surfer from New England. September 11, 2001. All of our lives changed that day. But none more than those who lost loved ones on that day. Or the families, who have since lost loved ones since that day. Our world has changed.

Thank you for taking the time (in the rain) to pay tribute to the 31 names on that Monument.


What a wacky week it was for our beloved New England PATRIOTS. The "Videogate" story was everywhere. A story that just won't go away. It's like the end of the world for some people. I mean, is this really that important? Is it as important as the Michael Vick story? or the Rodney Harrison story? Depends on who you talk to.

There are those who hate the Patriots and Belichick, so this story is ripe for the picking. But to question every game and superbowl prior? Because of this? In my opinion is absurd. I know the NFL rules state, that NO video taping is allowed in the NFL. But what do they call doing during the week watching game tapes? And during the games with Binoculars? What is that? I think it's just the downside of being a number one team. Everyone wants to knock you down. It's almost like we're the dam Yankees.

Speaking of which. How about them RED SOX now? That was quite the butt spanking last night. 10 to 1. It almost made up for blowing that 7-2 lead the night before. Almost. These are great days for all New England fans.
The Red Sox heading for the post season and the Patriots looking unbeatable (despite the video shenanigans).
Now if we could just get some surf to make it the Ultimate Perfect Season.
Take your pick tonight. Patriots vs Chargers or the Sox Vs the Yankees.
You can't lose with either one.

In the upcoming weeks we'll be posting info on the GARY RITCHIE Fundraiser. *Gary is doing better and thanks all of you for your positive thoughts and prayers.

This Saturday night is your chance to see some of the most beautiful traditional Hawaiian songs and music by the World Famous MAKAHA SONS on Saturday September 22nd at the Thomas Meehan Performance Center in Stratham, NH at 7PM Tix are $25 and $30
or Call (603) 205-0784
or go to www.makahasons.com
See Poster below.

The Landon Miller Fund through ANY Citizen Bank. Or send your donation to:
The Landon Miller Foundation
83 South Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
Click below to see Danny Tribute or see Danny Surfing
Tribute to
Danny. North By Northeast

Remember my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.


Ralph




I

Yesterday 1974 Beaver Tail Drop At The Wall for Vincent
(Below) This was one of those glassy days at the Wall back in the mid-70's. There were maybe a 6 people out during
this particular session. Lt Col Jay Hammer USA Iraqi Vet shot this footage on my old GAF Super 8mm camera.
A moment in time. Back in those days we took turns shooting each other.
Video frame grab courtesy of SFOD, shot by Jay Hammer.




Today September 11, 2007



(Above) Six years ago I stood here shooting the surf on that awful day. I shot this photo on Tuesday morning on the
anniversary of that day. A few close friends and I gather here every September 11th to reflect on that day. It's a tradition
that started completely by chance on the first anniversary of that day. We all just showed up at this spot and thought
about the events of that day. So we decided that we'd meet here every year. And I suspect that as long as we live here
we'll continue to meet and reflect. *Put your cursor over the image.
Photo and Video Frame Grab by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Six new names were added to this Monument this year. Sacrifice for our freedom.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello


Today September 2007



(Above) on September 14, 1991 at 7:06AM exactly...MVF was born. Sixteen years ago at this very moment. I'm a
stickler for details. I wouldn't say Happy Birthday to Mackey until the correct time was at hand. Call me crazy.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK.
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.
VIDEO by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) CLICK ON Video Frame Grab ABOVE FOR a SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP from
"NORTH BY NORTHEAST"
VIDEO by SFOD R. Fatello


Today 2007 Surf Images from this Past Week and More



(Above) More tropical blue from Master lensman Bernie Baker. Longboard action. Rebound.
Photo by Bernie Baker




(Above) Say what???? Hawaiian Paddle board action (don't try this at home)..
Photo by Bernie Baker




(Above) Nice cutback. This is stylish on any size board. .
Photo by Bernie Baker



(Above) There is color in the tropics unlike anywhere else. These girls are as happy as they appear.
How could they not be? *Put your cursor over the image for another angle.
Photo by Bernie Baker



(Above) Meanwhile back home in New England. We have our own color. Steve Franson at the Wall.
Video Frame Grab from the Movie North By Northeast by SFOD R. Fatello

Today 2007 From The Phantom Archives This Summer




(Above) Doug contemplates the situation. Photo courtesy of the Phantom



(Above) What's there to contemplate Doug? Get yer ass out there! Photo courtesy of the Phantom



(Above) Nice line-up. Photo courtesy of the Phantom




(
Above) Ralphie likes the right way better. Photo courtesy of the Phantom



(Above) No that's NOT my Canon GL1...this looks more like a GL-2. Where's the footy boys?
Photo courtesy of the Phantom



(Above) Like two ships passing in the night...only these are Big Boards passing in the fog.
Who Da Yellar guy? Dat You Fannie? Photo courtesy of the Phantom

(Above) Check out this wave...both ways! Photo courtesy of the Phantom

(Above) Don't know what's happening here (color wise) but I do like this set up. Photo courtesy of the Phantom



(Above) Doug sitting pretty. Photo courtesy of the Phantom

(Above) Rocky that you? Coming down the line on your San Franciscan treat! Photo courtesy of the Phantom

(Above) Looks like New Zealand...rocket pocket take-off somewhere in Phantom Land.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom

(Above) Back out for one more...why not? Photo courtesy of the Phantom




(Above) DON'T MISS THIS SHOW! CALL 205-0784 for more details

Today 2007 Parting Shot..."What's that sound?"



(Above) This is funny...sort of. I'm sure it's all about having fun with Photo Shop. If not...well, it's a great last
photograph. Photo courtesy of the Internet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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